Wow! Some real motivation/purpose for keeping up with this challenge. Monday I had a blood test for my type 2 diabetes. Today's results show my A1C is down from my Oct. test. I'd started "working" at SparkPeople like I meant it then, and that work has paid off. Now, to be even more diligent and consistent about the group goals and this challenge so my next test, in 3 months, shows continued improvement.

I just joined this group & challenge.I am really trying to follow my dieticians instructions as far as food.I'm doing good at,so far. I did my wii fit this morning for 34 min. I will do my zumba when my husband leaves. I will try to check in everyday.everyone have a great day!

I've been using SparkPeople for awhile but thought I needed more focus, so I've joined this team to help me with controlling my type 2 diabetes. I'm looking to take charge of it through exercise, weight loss, and smart eating.

My food tracker is the diabetes nutrition plan, and I've been pretty good about staying within my limits, but I'm going to make a concerted effort to stay within my limits.

JANRX6 and CAROLV7 - - Welcome to the Diabetes Weight Loss Challenge. I'm going to try to help you find yourself around the site. Don't expect to learn it all at once - - take your time and get comfortable one step and one day at a time.

If you haven't already done so, I would suggest that you Create Your Spark Page. You can do this by going to the Quick Link or by going to My Trackers, down to My Spark Points (click) and then on down to your One Time Challenge. Just below that is where you'll find Create Your Spark Page. This will allow others to add you to their "Friend" page, send you personal support and encouragement. and send you Spark Goodies to congratulate you on something or for more encouragement.

My advice to you would be to learn all you can about diabetes. There are so many different articles to read on so many different things in our Articles & Video section located at the top of your Start Page. There you will find not only articles on health but on food, exercises, recipes etc. It's a great section to check into.

Try to stay within your calorie range, preferably at the lower end. Eat your 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day. The snacks are important in keeping not only your metabolism up but also helps in keeping your BSs more even throughout the day. It doesn't matter how late in the day you eat your last snack as long as you don't go over your calorie allowance.

The Nutrition Trackers and Fitness Trackers located at the top of your Start Page are both great tools to use. I would advise you to use them. The Nutrition Tracker will give you great feedback on whether you're eating enough or too little of calories, carbs, fats, and protein. There is also a Report in your Spark Page that you can run by clicking on it that will let you know the comparison of carbs vs fats vs protein and give you information under each category how to improve in each area. The Fitness Tracker is where you will log in your exercises done for the day. The more exercise you do, the more calories you get to eat - - not a bad trade.!!

In the Community Section at the top of your Start Page is where you will find a list of Spark Teams, Challenges that are going on - - check those out. You will meet a lot of people, make new friends, have fun and get lots of motivation from them. You will also find a lot of success stories in that section as well.

In the Site Guide, you will find your Welcome Guide, a video tour of the site as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Look over the different sites, pick out a challenge or two, check out the roll calls/chats etc. You are not alone on this journey. We are going through this journey with you. If you have any questions whether it be advice, help, a listening ear, or motivation please let us know. There is always someone close by and will get back with you.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! and together .

Have fun and enjoy your journey!!

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

Getting started and a bit overwhelmed with all the resources on here. Have trouble even finding this challenge. I'm sure it will get easier - I'm still at the point where I have trouble remembering to check in.

RONDA46LOIS - - The sweets are there so you need to find something else to replace it with. You need to do it for YOU and for YOUR health and survival. Put a note on your refrigerator, hanging from your cupboard and/or wherever else you need to put one saying IT IS MY CHOICE. Try chomping on ice chips or some frozen fruit (I, myself, have never tried the frozen fruit but others have and really like it).

I use to be in Weight Watchers for quite a while. At one meeting they passed out candy bars and I picked my very favorite one. I took the candy bar home with me and placed it out in the open. I told myself that it was my choice if I ate that candy bar or not. Which did I want more - - that candy bar which was only going to last for a few bites or did I want to be healthy for the rest of my life. I chose to be healthy!!! What's your choice going to be? A few bites or a healthy and possibly diabetes free woman? Yes, I said diabetes free - - if you're a type II diabetic you can be free of all diabetic meds - - it is possible as I am now on no medications for my diabetes. Yes, I'm still a diabetic - just like an alcoholic is always an alcoholic. Plus, all my cholesterol and triglyceride levels are well within normal limits.

My husband, to this day, will have his Chocolate Hershey Bars with and without Almonds. Sometimes I would have to go outside and go for a walk while he's eating it especially in the beginning when he would be eating 2-3 of them a day. Now, I might have 1 small square every 2-3 months of his but now it is actually way too sweet for me. My husband is now down to eating 1 candy bar and it is taking him about 2 sometimes 3 days to eat it. By my passing it up I feel it's actually working on him as well as he knows he's not suppose to be eating it because of his heart and borderline diabetes.

Sometimes, those we love such as husbands or boyfriends or significant others actually try to sabotage our efforts at losing weight because they figure that if we lose weight and start looking so much better that maybe someone else will take an extra look at us etc and that is a threat to them. Chances are that as soon as your husband sees you losing weight and becoming healthier yet still paying all your attention to him, he's very apt to let up on some of those pecan pies that you both like.

So, when he is getting that pie out in the evenings, go for a walk, chomp on ice, get yourself some frozen fruit or even a (1) WW ice cream or WW desert or whatever. BUT, the choice is yours - - a few seconds of that pie or being a healthier woman.

Don't be too hard on yourself when you do fall off that wagon. Be forgiving. Remember, this is only your first week of being on the program. You didn't get this way over night and you surely won't get the weight off and become a healthier person over night either. Take it one step at a time and one day at a time. Just get back up on the wagon and start again as soon as possible.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! We are here for you and are going on this journey with you even though we each have our own little journey to take. This is not a d.i.e.t. but instead it's a lifestyle change for a healthier and happier you!!. We are here for you!!! and together

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

Here's my biggest problem: eating sweets in the evening. It's all my husband's fault! He eats sweets like crazy. I've had lots of talks with him about having them in front of me. He's had this pecan pie in the freezer and takes it out to have a piece. Last night there it was on the counter. I took a small piece and then went back for another small piece. Then I was mad at myself. I need to be able to by pass the temptation and focus on my own health. I feel like an alcoholic with no control. At least I did stop at the second piece this time. If nothing is in the house I still think about something sweet and will eat peanut butter off the spoon. I do have no sugar juice ice bars but then I eat all of those.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something: and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. Edmund Everett Hale.

RONDA46LOIS - - Take it one day at a time. Don't try to be perfect but be persistent in striving to do better for a healthier life for yourself. It will get easier as you go. Don't try to do it all at once. Tracking your food is a great start!!! Be sure to do the report each day which will give you really good feedback as to whether or not you need to increase or decrease the amount of calories, carbs, fats and protein. Taking a short walk on your lunch break is a great idea to get in extra steps but don't take the walk without eating something first. Keep up the good work!!

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

getting used to the Sparks program can be overwhelming. I assume it will get easier as I get used to things. Started to track my food. Walked yesterday and brought by shoes to the office to walk today.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something: and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. Edmund Everett Hale.

Yesterday... good day. Lots of walking and swimming. Today.. not so much. I started out iffy with my food choices, but am now doing better. I will finish out my day strong and tomorrow will be a new day!

Yvonne "A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt

Here I am starting once more on weight loss as a way to better health. I just realized I didn't eat I haven't eaten today. That's unusual. I really need to focus. Hi everyone and let's do this together.

Edited by: RONDA46LOIS at: 1/9/2014 (16:02)

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something: and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. Edmund Everett Hale.

I'm seeing a pattern in my eating. Staying in my calorie and carb range is going pretty good. The proteins are usually just there or a bit short and the fats are often over. Trying to figure out some low fat sources of protein besides beans (which I am already eating).

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away...and, remember "slow and steady wins the race".

Day 2 was a great day. Did my exercise, planked twice, and stayed on target with my food. And the BS is showing it. Today I'll get in some swimming and some volunteer work. And nothing but positives in my head and my heart!

Yvonne "A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt

ANTILEMON - - Isn't it amazing how many calories we eat in a day when we are keeping track of our food intake? It's no wonder we are in the position we're in now!! Track everything that goes into your mouth in your Nutrition Tracker - it will give you excellent feedback as to whether you need to increase/decrease your calories, carbs, fats or nutrition.

Take time to look over the different categories at the top of your Start Page. Learn everything you can about diabetes - - what causes diabetes, treatment of diabetes, nutrition/exercise with diabetes as well as the complications caused by uncontrolled blood sugar as well as other health issues you may have or are interested in. This can all be done by going to the Articles & Video section. While there, you will find videos on exercises, cooking, recipes and many other things.

In the Community Section you will be able to find different teams, challenges, success stories, blogs etc.

In the Site Guide Section you will be able to find your Welcome Guide, take a site tour video, and find answers to many frequently asked questions.

In the Trackers Section you will find your Nutrition Tracker, Fitness Tracker, your goals, a place to record your weight, your Spark Mail and many other things.

If you have any questions or if we can be of help in any way, please let us know. You are not alone on this journey. We are all going on this journey together. and together

Have fun and enjoy your journey!!

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

I stayed in my calorie range..carbs not so good on. This past week I've learned that dinner seems to be the hardest meal for me. It's not even that I'm starving myself through the day. I'm learning that there are a lot of things in my mindset that need to change. I think just the way I view dinner needs to be one of them.

Yesterday was my day one. Last night I realized that I have been eating over 3000 calories a day, time to put my habbits in perspective. got 10 minutes last night an 20 aready this morning, my knee hurts a little maybe I should stick to house cleaning instead of walking a mile.

HEALTHY2BNOW - - Welcome to this great team!!! This weather is really playing havoc with a lot of people. Try to stick as close as you can to the meal plan if you can. Good job on watching your carb intake. Be sure to drink lots of non-calorie fluids and try to get a small snack in 2-3 times a day if possible without going over your calorie allowance. Great job on the cardio exercises. Did you set yourself some small goals yet? Make them something that you know you will succeed at. Take it one day at a time and one step at a time. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! You aren't alone in this journey. We are all on this journey with you. and together .

Learn all you can about diabetes - what causes it, treatment for diabetes, complications of uncontrolled diabetes and any other health issues that you might have or are interested in. You can do this by checking out the Articles & Videos at the top of your Start Page. There you will also find videos of exercises, recipes and all sorts of things.

I noticed that you have not created your Spark Page yet. I would advise you to do so. If you go to your quick link on your start page you should be able to start creating it there. If you don't see it there, then go to My Trackers and click on My Spark Points. Scroll down until you come to One Time Challenges and then just a few lines down you should find something that says Create your Spark Page. Click on that and go from there. This will allow others to put you on their "Friends" List and vice versa where they can get to know you better, send you notes of encouragement as well as Spark Goodies from time to time.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask them or if you need help, a listening ear, or need extra encouragement let us know. There is always someone close by that will get back with you.

Have fun and enjoy your journey.

Judy F Co-Leader of Diabetes Weight Loss Challenge

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

I am new to SparkPeople. I signed up on Sunday, January 5, 2014. This is my first full day. I have not followed the meal plan. Because of the winter deep freeze in my city, I haven't been able to go grocery shopping. But I have completed the cardio chair exercise and watched my carb intake. I plan to stay with this ... forever.

Best wishes everyone.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~Attributed to Carl Bard

JRWELL - - In the Articles & Videos section located at the top of your Start Page has some great exercise videos for different areas of the body including some chair exercises. Look them over and give one or two of them a try. Don't worry about using dumbbells etc yet. Just start out easy but be consistent. Three days of Strength training is a good start and maybe some walking for the cardio.

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

Good afternoon everyone. Just stopping by to see how everyone's doing on their first week. Seeing some good results out there!!!

I realize this is all different for you but just take it one day at a time and one step at a time. Don't try to learn or do everything all at once - - it will all come together for you as you go through each day. Remember to use your food trackers - - it will give you excellent feedback on whether or not you're getting enough or getting too many calories, carbs, fats or protein. Be sure to try to track everything that goes into your mouth. Take baby steps and those steps will eventually grow to larger steps as you are ready.

Learn all you can about diabetes - - what causes it, how to prevent it, how to treat it, how to eat with diabetes etc. You'll find all these things in the Articles & Video section.

Also, check out the Community Section and get started on some challenges. You will find lots of fun, new friends, motivation and encouragement on those teams as well.

JDRAKE - - What great motivation. If you should happen to eat wrong during the day - - don't be hard on yourself. Just get right back on track as soon as you can!! Keep up the good work and have fun learning and doing.

LUNABUN - - - Take one day at a time and one step at a time. Don't try to do too much too soon. We don't want to see you getting frustrated as quite often frustration will lead to quitting and we don't want that to happen. Are you tracking your food? What about your fluids? Are you getting enough of them? Are you eating your 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day? Exercise? If 10 minutes a day is too much for you, then break it down into 2 5-minutes sessions. All steps add up!

LORI4CHRIST - - It's so great that your hubby helps you with your exercise etc. The home support is great. You will also find lots of support from others who are or have gone through the program yourself. I, myself, am taking the program for the second timed. So many things change with diabetes and there's always more to learn and even to re-learn. Keep up the good work.

CBABER - - It's ok to redo Week 1. You don't have to progress to Week 2 until you feel you are ready. Take it one step at a time. Everything will click and go smoothly for you. All steps add up towards your goal of getting healthy. Don't worry about using dumbbells or bands etc in the beginning. The important thing is that you are moving. The more you move, the healthier and more energetic you will become.

JRWELL - Great job on making good choices at a restaurant!! That can be a hard one to do!! You're doing great!! Your next step/challenge will be to add a little bit of exercise to start. Try to 10 minutes a day even if it's not done all at once. Break it into two 5-minutes sessions if need be. I've done that myself. Be sure to record it in your Fitness Tracker. The more fitness you get in the more food you'll be able to eat. Always try to stay within the lower limits of your calorie allowance however.

VALLEYITE - Looks like you're doing great!! Baby steps is the way to go!!! One day and one step at a time is my motto!!

MYLIFEINHIM - - You'll have to bring yourself some healthy snacks i.e. some crackers and cheese; a few nuts; some fruit and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Drinking your fluids are great. Great job on measure your food!! Keep up the good work.

PRINGLE - - Make sure you get plenty of protein to go along with your fruits. Use different fruits is great but you might have to cut down on the amount of each fruit you use in your smoothies.

NCJESSICA77 - Feeling some discomfort during exercise is expected but be careful on the amount of pain. Have you tried any of the Chair exercises that are offered in the Articles & Videos section? They have some great ones. I use some of them myself. Don't be afraid to cut back a little when it gets to be painful. Baby steps is what counts. You don't want to over do and get yourself laid up for a while.

Keep up the good work everyone. My book is long enough for now. If I've missed some of you I'll try to catch you next time. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know. There's always someone lurking close by.

Judy F

One Day At A Time Dear Jesus!!!

Not looking at how many # to go but back and how many #s I've already lost!!!

day 6 and hanging in. have lost 3 lbs and feel good. have found the pre-diabetes menu plan to be a great guide for what to eat and when. don't always have all the food they show but i try to find a good substitute. and 2 snacks/day!!! what more could i ask for!!!

Today is my first day checking in here. I'm still really new to all this. I was diagnosed over a year ago. But whenever my doctors try to explain things to me I feel at such a loss. It's like my brain shuts down and it's the teacher in Charlie Brown talking to me.

SparkPeople, SparkCoach, SparkPages, SparkPoints, SparkDiet, SparkAmerica, SparkRecipes, DailySpark, and other marks are trademarks of SparkPeople, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this website can be used without the permission of SparkPeople or its authorized affiliates.
SPARKPEOPLE is a registered trademark of SparkPeople, Inc. in the United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy last updated on October 25, 2013